RFA 13-02: CIRM Basic Biology Awards V

The goal of the CIRM Basic Biology Initiative is to foster cutting-edge research tackling significant, unresolved issues in human stem cell biology, with emphasis on unraveling the key cellular and molecular mechanisms that dictate cell fate. Due to the urgency and breadth of CIRM’s mission, the Basic Biology Awards V will support two categories of basic research, each with a unique potential to advance the stem cell field.

Track 2) The Exploratory Concepts Awards will target stem cell or reprogrammed cell studies testing highly novel hypotheses that if proven, would challenge dogma and result in a transformative discovery for the stem cell field.

While both types of Basic Biology Awards support basic research into stem cell biology and related science, the scope and priorities differ between the tracks, as detailed in the RFA. The applicant Principal Investigator must choose which of the two tracks is most relevant for the proposed research, as only one Preliminary Application may be submitted per Principal Investigator.

This RFA includes participation by members of CIRM’s Collaborative Funding Partner (CFP) Program. Appendices A-C describe additional requirements and procedures for applicants whose proposals include a request for funding from a CFP.

Application Process

Submission of an application for the CIRM Basic Biology Awards V RFA involves a two-step process. An eligible PI may submit one Preliminary Application (PreApp), either through the Fundamental Mechanisms track or the Exploratory Concepts track, but not both. PreApps will be evaluated by scientific specialists from outside California who are experts in specific areas of research described in the PreApp and by CIRM scientific staff, based on the scientific review criteria described in section IX of this RFA. Applicants whose projects are judged as most promising, competitive, and responsive to the RFA will be invited to submit a full application. All other applicants will be deferred, with the opportunity to apply in response to a future RFA.

Preliminary Application (PreApp) Instructions

Each PI may submit only a single PreApp for this RFA.
The deadline for submission is 5:00 pm (PDT) on March 11, 2013. No exceptions to this deadline will be made.

To submit a Preliminary Application:
1. Go to the Grants Management Portal (https://grants.cirm.ca.gov) and log in with your existing CIRM Username and Password. If you do not have a Username, click on the "New User" link and follow the instructions to create a CIRM Username and Password.
2. After logging in, click on the "Open Programs" tab located at the far left on the menu bar, and look for the section labeled “RFAs and Programs Open for Applications”. Click on the “Start a Preliminary Application” link corresponding to the Basic Biology Awards V RFA and track (Fundamental Mechanisms or Exploratory Concepts). Although you will be able to start a Preliminary Application through either track, you will only be permitted to submit through one.
3. Complete each section by clicking on the appropriate link and following the posted instructions. Proposal and signature page template can be found in the “Upload Required Documents” section.
4. To submit your preliminary application, click on the “Done with Preliminary Application” button. The “Done with Preliminary Application” will be enabled when all required sections have been completed and the signature page uploaded. Please note that once “Done with Preliminary Application” has been selected, you will no longer be able to make changes to your PreApp.
5. To confirm submission of your Preliminary Application, go back to your home page and check the list under the section labeled “Your Submitted Applications”. You will see your Preliminary Application number and project title entered for RFA 13-02 Basic Biology Awards V once the submission process has been completed.

Full Application Process

Full Applications will only be accepted from applicants who 1) submitted a Preliminary Application and 2) are invited by CIRM to submit a full application.

The application for the CIRM Basic Biology V RFA consists of three parts:

Part A: Application Information Form (Web-based form)

Part B: Proposal (MS Word template)

Part C: Biographical Sketches and Letters of Support (MS Word template)

All three parts of the full Application for CIRM Basic Biology Awards V must be submitted together and received by CIRM no later than 5:00 pm (PDT) on June 27, 2013, via the CIRM Grants Management Portal. It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet this deadline; no exceptions will be made.